Packers coach Matt LaFleur explains why WR1 debate makes him want to 'vomit'

08-13-2024
5 min read

There are plenty of battles going on across NFL training camps. Players on the fringes are trying to make their mark and earn a place on their team's 53-man roster. Others are aiming to lock down their spot on the depth chart.

Coaches are being asked plenty about who's in and who's out. It's going to be a tough few weeks of decision making as the roster gets trimmed down before the regular season.

But if there is one thing you do not ask Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, it's about who is No. 1 out of his wide receiver group. 

LaFleur dismissed a question regarding who he believed to be his WR1 with the 2024 season on the horizon. Green Bay's young group took a massive step forward last season, with QB Jordan Love helping the team to the playoffs, where the Packers defeated the Cowboys in the wild card round before falling to the 49ers. 

Wide receivers including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs are all viewed as key cogs in the offense. But LaFleur isn't interested in tabbing one to be above the rest.

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What did Matt LaFleur say about Packers WR1 debate?

While fans may want to debate how is the No. 1 wide receiver in Green Bay, LaFleur isn't here for it. 

The Packer head coach gave a blunt statement on the topic Monday, shooting down any potential of him dubbing one of his receivers as the No. 1 guy. 

"I want to vomit every time I hear 'No. 1 receiver,' to be honest with you," LaFleur said. "It drives me crazy. That's something that you guys talk about. I feel like we've got a bunch of 'em."

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Who is the Packers best WR?

For years, Green Bay's clear-cut best weapon was Davante Adams. The six-time Pro Bowler was stellar working with former QB Aaron Rodgers before the two left for other organizations. 

Since then, there has not been a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver for the team. It's not necessarily a bad problem to have, as the club has a trio of young, reliable receivers.

Based solely on last year's stats, it would appear Jayden Reed has the inside edge for the title of "best Packers wide receiver." The second-year standout out of Michigan State led the Packers in receptions (64) and receiving yards (793). Doubs had two more targets than him (96 to 94), but Reed played in one less game. Both had eight touchdowns in 2023.

Still, there is an argument to be made that when healthy, Watson is the best option. He only managed to suit up for nine games due to injury, but he averaged more yards per reception than any receiver (15.1) and still accounted for five touchdowns.

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Here is how the three's stats compare from 2023:

Player Games Receptions Targets Yards TDs Yards/C Yards/G
Jayden Reed 16 64 94 793 8 12.4 49.6
Romeo Doubs 17 59 96 674 8 11.4 39.6
Christian Watson 9 28 53 422 5 15.1 46.9

Packers WR depth chart

The Packers have not yet released their official depth chart for the start of the 2024 season. However, this is how it is shaping up to be now with preseason underway. 

Position 1st 2nd 3rd
WR Christian Watson Dontayvion Wicks Samori Toure/Julian Hicks
WR Romeo Doubs Malik Heath Grant DuBose/Jalem Wayne
WR Jayden Reed Bo Melton Dimitri Stanley